Abstract: A process for preparing an aliphatic thioamide entails reacting a nitrile compound of the general formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 C--CN,wherein R.sub.1 denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an aryl radical and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each denotes a hydrogen atom containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, with hydrogen sulphide, in the presence as catalyst of an aliphatic amine of the general formulaR.sub.4 R.sub.5 R.sub.6 N,wherein R.sub.4 denotes an alkyl radical containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms and R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 each denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, in a water-miscible polar solvent.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of 3-chlorobenzo[b]thiophene-2-carbonyl chlorides is described where a cinnamic acid is converted in the presence of thionyl chloride and a 4-N,N'-disubstituted aminopyridine in one step to the desired product.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of very pure ureas of the formula phenyl--(NH--CO--NR.sub.1 R.sub.2).sub.n in which phenyl represents an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or phenylene group and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are either identical and each represent an alkyl group, or are different, in which case R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom and R.sub.2 represents an alkyl or phenyl group, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, together with the nitrogen atom, represent an aliphatic heterocyclic ring and n is the number 1 or 2, by reacting a phenylurea of the formula phenyl--(NH--CO--NH.sub.2).sub.n with an amine of the formula NR.sub.1 R.sub.2 H at temperatures from 100 to 200.degree. C. in a diluent which is inert under the reaction conditions, the reaction being interrupted before by-products are formed, and the urea which is formed being removed from the starting compounds, and the unreacted starting compounds being returned to the process if appropriate.

Abstract: A component having the following formula I: ##STR1## wherein X represents an integer ranging from 1 to 2 or 7 to 13;Y represents an integer ranging from 0 to 5;Z represents an integer ranging from 0 to 5;R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and represent H or a straight chain or branched lower alkyl; andR' and R" are the same or different and represent H or halogen,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Preferably, the lower alkyl has between 1 and 4 carbon atoms and the halogen is selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. The compound is useful as a MAO-B inhibitor. Also within the scope of the present invention is a composition for the inhibition of MAO-B activity and a method for alleviating Parkinsonism, Alzheimer's disease, depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorders, aging and other neuropsychiatric disorders and for improving the quality of life.